I think this tournament signalled the end of the Tiki Taka era. Now it’s fast break all the time.
For the first time, the quality of play in the World Cup actually approaches the highest levels of club play.
I don't think so. There are some good direct teams, yes, and you have to be able to break and score, but in the end, if you have the ball you can't be scored on. Possession will always have a prominent place in the game. Even Alexi Lalas noted it after the match. This team just was not good enough at holding onto the ball, which makes you play defense, which wears you out.
And when you have the worst travel schedule in the World Cup after being placed in the most competitive qualifying group at the World Cup, eventually that takes a toll.